Mumbai: Anahat Singh acknowledged that she did not perform at her peak during the British Junior Open, a prestigious junior tournament she clinched for the third time this week as the under-17 champion. Previously, her father served as her travelling coach and sparring partner, providing her with the mental support needed to succeed. This time in Birmingham, Anahat was accompanied by one of India’s most accomplished squash professionals, Saurav Ghosal.

“Having him present instilled confidence in me, knowing that if anything went awry, he would be there to assist,” Anahat, 16, stated from London on Thursday.

Ghosal, a former top 10 professional, has taken on the role of “mentor,” as Anahat described, to nurture the country’s most promising young squash talent. This exciting collaboration, particularly with the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, commenced shortly after Ghosal's retirement from the professional PSA tour last April. With her coaches located in Prague and Mumbai, it became challenging for the Delhi-based teenager, who competes in both junior and PSA circuits, to travel. Consequently, Ghosal and Anahat began discussions.

“He (Ghosal) expressed his desire to assist me in any way possible,” Anahat remarked. “He guides me in understanding my responsibilities, planning my tournaments, training, and other aspects. Whenever he visits Delhi, he also practices with me.”

Whenever Ghosal accompanies Anahat to tournaments, she notices a significant difference, as was the case at the British Open. “Having Saurav Ghosal there was immensely beneficial. If I felt uncertain about anything, he would say, ‘I’ll step onto the court and support you.’ During matches, those two minutes between games, having the right person in your corner and receiving the right encouragement is crucial,” Anahat explained.

When Anahat, who has also won the U-11 and U-13 titles at the British Open, reflects on entering this edition feeling somewhat “nervous” after narrowly losing a final last year, it becomes evident that she is still only 16. However, when she adds that the...

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